Bike Bakersfield and What A Racket Providing a Commuter Solution
by Jason Cater
Living in a car dependent culture develops two large subgroups when it comes to perspectives on bike commuting: the first is those who would bike but have concerns, and the second is those who won't bike period. Bike Bakersfield strives to continually improve conditions for those who already bike, and find solutions that address the concerns of people in the first subgroup in order to encourage them to bike.
In this pursuit we find a few common reasons people state for continued auto use:
- I don't feel safe biking on the streets.
- What if my kids have an emergency and need me to drive them?
- I would bike to work but I cannot be sweaty for work and my employer does not have showers.
These three common reasons are valid for not biking to work. However, they are solvable. Recently, Bike Bakersfield and What A Racket created a solution for those who need a place to shower, solving a common issue which faces many bicycle commuters.
What A Racket is a fitness center focusing on racquetball, and also features walleyball and weights. Located about a mile from central downtown, between the Kern River Parkway Bike Path and a number of employers this gym is now offering shower only memberships. The cost for this membership is $20 a month and provides full access to shower facilities as well as lockers.
With this membership, employees of nearby companies can now bike to work and not worry about their appearance. So far the program only has one member, but Bike Bakersfield and What A Racket hope to get this program up and running so more people in the area will see the benefits of bike commuting.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in getting a shower only membership with What A Racket, please contact either Bike Bakersfield or What A Racket to get the process started.
What A Racket's contact info: 3500 21st Street, (661) 328-2255, Facebook Page.